A New Orleans Center for Creative Arts vocal music student from Destrehan High School received one of the highest awards in their divisions at the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing Southern Regional Competition recently held at Southeastern Louisiana University. The three-day event and competition was open to high school and college students from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The National Association of Teachers of Singing encourages the highest standards of the vocal art and ethical principles in the teaching of singing and promotes vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented.

“The work of the students and faculty in the NOCCA Vocal Music department is outstanding every day and at every level,” stated NOCCA President/CEO Kyle Wedberg. “We are very proud of this well deserved recognition.”

Each year the Vocal Music Division coordinates a field trip to the competition in order to provide NOCCA students a high level performance opportunity where they are being judged on talent and training.

The winning NOCCA student was Vivian Buchanan of St. Rose, who placed third in High School Women division.

NOCCA has begun its audition season for its Summer Conservatory and 2011-12 Fall sessions. Middle and high school students who are interested in learning more about the application and audition process to NOCCA are encouraged to visit www.nocca.com.